What is the best ground cover to help stabilize my banks? Should I use English ivy?
Plants adapted to our region usually give the best and easiest results for low maintenance area like shade and slopes. Sword fern and Oregon grape are the most useful for soil stabilization, but there are many options. Ivy is one of the worst. It roots shallowly and slips off the subsoil easily. It chokes out other vegetation and climbs trees, adding much weight.
